[Hondo44]

here is a "model of 1955" example in (fairly rare!) nickel:
View attachment 339345

You can delete the entire post by clicking Edit Post and then click Go Advanced, and delete at the top.

 

[Hondo44]

good grief! i am old and tired! i don't know how i posted the blue model 30 pics, and i can't figure out how to delete them! SO! there are pics of both sides of a sweet old flatlatch model 30 that have absolutely no relation to what we are talking about!

here is the other side of the nickel terrier (....maybe!):

That nickle gun is a Model of 1953 "NEW" I frame, 4 screw, an early one with the old hammer style. It's a true Pre Model 32.

 

[Hondo44]

technically, these are both pre 32s, and i realize they may not even be what you are wanting to see!

That's OK, it's a nice .32!
We can see it's a 6 shot not a 5 shot like a Terrier.
A 32 long Hand Ejector, and is a Model of 1953, "NEW" I frame 3 screw, a Pre Model 30.

 

[Hondo44]

I don't have a Model 32 but I have these Terriers.

Both gorgeous examples!

This one is a 32 Terrier Improved I Frame (coil mainspring), 1st version with round sight, a 5 screw:

This one is a 32 Terrier Improved I Frame (coil mainspring), 2nd version with ramp front sight and barrel rib, also a 5 screw:

 

[Hondo44]

I'm pretty sure this is a Terrier because it says so on the box..

View attachment 339413

Another scarce nickel 38 Terrier Post War Transitional I Frame, 6 screw with pre war type Service (round top) grips, and the box!

From that serial # it most likely shipped early Nov. 1950.

Those nickel guns can look like new with a little Mother's Mag Wheel polish while watching the news.

 

[Hondo44]

View attachment 339423 Here is my 32-1. I own four revolvers chambered in 38 s&w. They range from a 38 da to the 32-1. I load some 125swc that are
A little faster than the 146 factory loads. The BSR with my 200gr bullets is a ball to shoot spinners with. Here is a pic of my
snub and some of hand loads. The loads are 125, 146, and the 200 bullets. If you try one of these Robert I'll predict you'll keep it. I threw in a pic of the pre war BSR in 38s&w. Cliff

That's a like new J frame post 1968, probably with the R serial # prefix.

 

[Hondo44]

The newer J frame 32-1 circa 1961-67

View attachment 339443

That's a sweet J frame 6 shot, therefore a .32 Hand Ejector Model 30-1. But from after 1968 since they have no diamond around the grip screw, if they number to the gun under the right grip.

 

[Hondo44]

I have two Terriers in 38 S&W.

View attachment 339461

View attachment 339463

View attachment 339465


I have a 34 no dash which is an I frame but that really is not a Terrier per se.

WOW! An honest to goodness elusive pre war Terrier LNIB in box!

Those are two 'time machines' that take me back in time!

 

[legelegel]

What year would be associated with Serial No. 68933?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

For a .32 HE, 1907. For a .22/32 Kit Gun, 1959-60.

 

[Troll]

Originally Posted by Trolley View Post
I have two Terriers in 38 S&W.

Attachment 339461

Attachment 339463

Attachment 339465


I have a 34 no dash which is an I frame but that really is not a Terrier per se.

WOW! An honest to goodness elusive pre war Terrier LNIB in box! I thought you had already seen these.

Those are two 'time machines' that take me back in time!

Hondo44, The box is in near perfect condition. It is the hinged lid type box. I even have two pieces of the original paper work and a letter from Roy! How lucky can a guy be.

 

[Hondo44]

What year would be associated with Serial No. 68933?

Presuming of course it's a .38 Terrier:

Very likely Mar-April 1953. It would be a 1st version Improved I frame with coil spring and round front sight. It wouldn't be Model 32 yet, or even a Pre Mod 32 though.

Jim

 

[jimg11]

My Terrier #6981x left the factory in February 1953 but the previous owner removed the grips and replaced them with the much later banana grips. Still looking for originals.

 

[legelegel]

Presuming, of course, it's a .38 Terrier:

Very likely Mar-April 1953. It would be a 1st version Improved I frame with coil spring and round front sight. It wouldn't be Model 32 yet, or even a Pre Mod 32 though.

Jim

When was this version first introduced?

What years of production are the best or preferred by collectors and why?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Robert, the improved I frame was introduced in 1953 around the same time the first J frame Chiefs Specials known as the Baby Chiefs due to the grip frame being the same as an I frame. Jim has a very good writeup on the progression in the SCSW4th.

As far as what is sought after, most of the 32 HE's are about the same through this period. However, there were some target Regulation Police revolvers made after the war from pre-war parts and they are probably the most sought after I frames after the Bekearts. In the J frames, the Baby Chiefs are sought after and the very early ones, especially in nickel, are highly valuable. I'm sure Jim has a more refined perspective and clearly knows more than I do on this subject.

 

[legelegel]

Robert, the improved I frame was introduced in 1953 around the same time the first J frame Chiefs Specials known as the Baby Chiefs due to the grip frame being the same as an I frame. Jim has a very good writeup on the progression in the SCSW4th.

As far as what is sought after, most of the 32 HE's are about the same through this period. However, there were some target Regulation Police revolvers made after the war from pre-war parts and they are probably the most sought after I frames after the Bekearts. In the J frames, the Baby Chiefs are sought after and the very early ones, especially in nickel, are highly valuable. I'm sure Jim has a more refined perspective and clearly knows more than I do on this subject.

Then, is the following correct?

1936 to 1953 S&W Terrier (I-Frame)
1953 to 1961 S&W Terrier (I-Frame Improved)
1961 to 1974 S&W 32-1 (J-Frame)

What did they do the I-Frame to improve it or was it just a move to save money in the manufacture of it?

What are the best features of these 3 periods of manufacture and which one is the most desirable?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Your timeline looks correct to me. The Improved I frame was a switch from a flat mainspring to the coiled mainspring. Your last questions have subjective answers depending on a lot of factors but mainly flat mainspring vs. coiled mainspring and I frame vs. J frame if you are focusing on shooting the gun. From a collectability standpoint, IMO, the early guns are more desirable because there are fewer of them.

 

[legelegel]

Your timeline looks correct to me. The Improved I frame was a switch from a flat mainspring to the coiled mainspring. Your last questions have subjective answers depending on a lot of factors but mainly flat mainspring vs. coiled mainspring and I frame vs. J frame if you are focusing on shooting the gun. From a collectability standpoint, IMO, the early guns are more desirable because there are fewer of them.

Thank you. That is very good information for me.

 

[legelegel]

What 2" inch barreled revolver did S&W make in the .32 S&W Long cartridge?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

The .32 Hand Ejector later called the Model 30.